What is Postinor-2 used for and how does it work?

Each tablet contains 750 micrograms of the progestagen, levonorgestrel. Postinor-2 behaves like the natural female hormone, progesterone.
Postinor-2 is an oral emergency contraceptive. It can help to prevent a pregnancy if taken within 72 hours (3 days) of unprotected sex. It is more effective the sooner it is taken following unprotected sex.
Postinor-2 should only be used as an emergency measure.
Emergency contraceptives like Postinor-2 are not for use as a regular method of contraception because of the increased possibility of failure compared to other methods of contraception.
After taking Postinor-2, you should use another method of contraception (condoms or cap plus spermicide), or not to have sex until your next period.
Remember: Emergency contraception does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases. Ask your doctor for advice if you are worried about this.

What checks are needed before you take Postinor-2

Before you take this medicine your doctor will check that you are not already pregnant by asking questions about your periods, or performing a pregnancy test or internal examination if pregnancy is suspected.
A breast or internal examination is not usually needed but may occasionally be performed by the doctor after questioning you about your medical history. The doctor may also take your blood pressure.

What checks are needed after you have taken Postinor-2

Your doctor may ask to see you again about 3 weeks after treatment to make sure Postinor-2 has worked.
If you are involved in a sexual relationship and do not want to become pregnant you should ask your doctor, at this time, about regular methods of contraception that are suitable for you.

What if I become pregnant after taking Postinor-2

If you should become pregnant despite taking this medicine, see your doctor who may need to check that the pregnancy is not ectopic (where the baby develops somewhere other than the womb). You should report to your doctor any unusual cramping pain or vaginal bleeding.
Postinor-2 should not be given to pregnant women. However, if you become pregnant despite taking Postinor-2 then experts believe that this medicine is unlikely to cause abnormalities to the developing child if it is taken within 72 hours of unprotected sex and if you are not already pregnant when you take it.

How to use Postinor-2 properly

Take 1 tablet as soon as possible after you have had unprotected sex (but no later than 72 hours). Do not delay taking the tablets. They work better the sooner they are taken after unprotected sex
Take the second tablet 12 hours after the first dose
It is important to leave no longer than 12 hours between the 2 doses. This may mean you need to set your alarm clock for the second dose or adjust the timing of your first dose slightly so that you would normally be awake when you need to take your second dose
You must take both tablets and leave no longer than 12 hours between the 2 doses.
This is all you need to do unless you are sick (vomit) within 2 hours of taking either tablet.

What to do if you are sick (vomit)

If you are sick within 2 hours of taking the first tablet, you should take the second tablet in the pack at once and contact your doctor or clinic immediately for another tablet
If you are sick within 2 hours of taking the second tablet you should contact your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

What to do if you miss a dose

You must take both tablets and leave no longer than 12 hours between the 2 doses
If you are late taking the second tablet, take it as soon as you remember and contact your doctor for advice as soon as possible.

Overdosage

There have been no reports of serious harmful effects from taking too many Postinor-2 tablets at one time. If you have taken several pills at a time, you may feel sick, vomit or have vaginal bleeding. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice if you are at all worried.

When using Postinor-2

Tell your doctor immediately:
If you are sick, or have very severe diarrhoea less than 2 hours after taking this medicine, or if you have a disease of the small bowel (such as Crohn's disease) that interferes with the absorption of your food, the active ingredient of Postinor-2 may not have been completely absorbed. You should contact your doctor or clinic who may need to give you another course of treatment.

Side effects

Like all medicines Postinor-2 can have side effects:
Feeling sick (nauseous); about a quarter of women who take Postinor-2 feel sick for a short while afterwards
Being sick (vomiting); only about 5 in every 100 women who take Postinor-2 will actually be sick. If this happens to you see the section "What to do if you are sick (vomit)"
Postinor-2 may change your pattern of menstrual bleeding; although most women will have their next period at the normal time, some will have a later, or earlier than normal period. There may also be some irregular vaginal bleeding or spotting until your next period
If your next period is more than 7 days late, go back to your doctor who will need to check that you are not pregnant
If your next period is abnormal (too light, much heavier than usual, or especially painful) you should see your doctor without delay
Some women get tender breasts, headaches, feel dizzy or feel tired after taking Postinor-2. These symptoms will get better within a few days.

Storage

Store Postinor-2 below 25°C. Keep Postinor-2 out of the reach and sight of children.
Use by date: The use by date is printed on the pack. Do not use after this date.

Where to go for further information

If you have any questions on the use of Postinor-2, you should discuss these with your doctor or pharmacist.